A sneak peek inside the tiny nation of San Marino that's battling for survival

San Marino: a sneak peak inside the tiny nation in Italy

San Marino has charming landscapes, decadent food and rich history. Credit: Supplied, James Cannon

Retirement in one tiny corner of Europe doesn’t mean lazy, sun-filled days by the Mediterranean. For Augusto Gatti, it means defending his nation.

The last war was in 1463, so that’s largely why it’s left to the ‘Noble Guard’ – a volunteer corps of retirees - to keep watch from the craggy rocks that form San Marino.

7NEWS Europe Bureau Chief Hugh Whitfeld gives you a sneak peek at San Marino in the video above.

"In the dark days of the Medieval era and even before, our citizens at that time were often armed, because obviously they had to defend it," Augusto says.

And centuries on, the fight goes on.

A fight for survival

San Marino is small, with around 33,000 people calling it home.

Times have been tough.

"I describe it like depression, a sort of depression of the citizens," Luca Santolini, a local politician says.

San Marino is now turning to countries like Russia for help. Credit: JIMMY CANNON / 7NEWS

Santolini was the head of state at just 33 years old. Like so much of this country, it has a unique form of government. Two locals share the job of Head of State, they’re referred to as a ‘Captains-Regent’, but only for 6 months.

Luca completed his term in 2019.

Santolini was the head of state at just 33 years old Credit: JIMMY CANNON / 7NEWS

"This is a very difficult moment for our country," he told 7NEWS.

San Marino has long been considered a tax haven. It’s not in the European Union, and maintains independent diplomatic relations with other countries, despite being just a speck of land just inland from Italy’s Adriatic coast.

San Marino has long been considered a tax haven Credit: JIMMY CANNON / 7NEWS

Global Financial Crisis

And it’s never recovered from the Global Financial Crisis, when the country’s banks took a big hit.

Now, it’s turning to countries like Russia for help. Forging closer links with Moscow, in the hope of investment, at a time when other countries are wary of Vladimir Putin’s administration.

Citizens in the last of Italy’s old city states to survive is hoping it will guarantee San Marino’s future.

Retirement in one tiny corner of Europe doesn’t mean lazy, sun-filled days by the Mediterranean. Credit: JIMMY CANNON / 7NEWS

The local tourism boss is Luca Santolini’s mum.

San Marino is small, with around 33,000 people calling it home. Credit: JIMMY CANNON / 7NEWS

‘It’s impossible not to feel in love with this country because it’s very, very fascinating,’ Gloria Santolini says.